Unsigned State Trunklines & Connectors

Unsigned State Trunklines | Unsigned Connectors | Jump to Bottom

When people think of the state trunkline system, most immediately think of the Interstate, US and State-numbered highways which cris-cross the state. Few, however, realize there are many miles of unsigned state trunklines and connectors maintained by MDOT but carrying no route number or other identifying markings.

Of the unsigned state trunklines, there are two types: numbered but unsigned routes, of which there are only a few, and formerly numbered routes which have been superceeded by other highways or are earmarked for being turned back to local control. The former are included with the regular route listings elsewhere on this site, while the latter are usually designated as "Old M-nn" or "Old US-nn" officially by MDOT. The information on unsigned state trunklines is taken from MDOT sources and is believed to be accurate and correct to date.

Unsigned State Trunklines

Western Terminus:

E Main St at the Berrien/Cass Co line, 1-3/4 miles southeast of downtown Niles

Eastern Terminus:

Jct US-12 & M-60, two miles southeast of downtown Niles

Length:

0.348 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-12

Notes:

This OLD US-12 routing is a very small remnant of what was once part of the BUS US-12 routing through downtown Niles from January 1962 until January 1994. Prior to that it was part of BUS US-112 from the late-1950s and even earlier, it was designated as mainline US-112. Interestingly, OLD US-12 was never signed as mainline US-12.

OLD US-12 is known as E Main St.

History:

1994 (Jan 3) - The portion of BUS US-12 from BUS M-60/Oak St southeasterly via Main St to the US-12 & M-60 interchange southeast of Niles is removed from this routing and transferred onto the 11th St alignment, joining BUS US-31 there and supplanting the US-33 designation in the process. US-33 is scaled back to a terminus at the US-12 interchange south of the city at the new eastern terminus of BUS US-12 as well. Main St from BUS M-60/Oak St southeasterly to the Berrien/Cass Co line is turned back to local control, while the (very) short portion of the former BUS US-12 from the county line to the US-12 & M-60 junction remains as a short unsigned state highway stub. It has been reported, however, that this change may have been made in 1987 in terms of signage in the field with the actual jurisdictional transfer taking place in 1994. —Thanks Marc!

Western Terminus:

Washtenaw/Wayne Co line along Ann Arbor Rd (at cnr Napier Rd)

Eastern Terminus:

Redford Twp/City of Detroit boundary along Plymouth Rd (1/2 block east of Hazelton St)

Length:

14.75 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-14

Notes:

This former alignment of M-14 was bypassed in 1977-1979 when the I-96/Jeffries Frwy and the M-14 freeway connecting Ann Arbor with Detroit via Livonia was completed and opened to traffic. While the portions of the former M-14 within Washtenaw Co to the west and the City of Detroit to the east were turned back to local control, this segment in Plymouth & Redford Twps and the City of Livonia was never transferred.

While OLD M-14 has not been a signed state trunkline since the late-1970s, that has not prevented the posting of some M-14 route markers along or near Plymouth Rd in the Redford area. In addition, even though the route does not appear on any official state highway maps, a few commercial mapmakers have either continued to label M-14 as running along Plymouth Rd east of I-275 or have shown the route as BUS M-14—a designation which has never existed.

History:

1977 - With the completion of the final segment of the I-96/Jeffries Frwy in Detroit and Livonia between M-39/Southfield Frwy and I-275, M-14 is scaled back to end at I-275, shortening the route by more than 14 miles. The former routing of M-14 within the City of Detroit—from the western city limit to Grand River Ave—is turned back to city control. The remainder of the former M-14 between the Detroit city limit and I-275 is retained in the state highway system as an unsigned trunkline.

1979 - The final segment of the M-14 freeway opens between the current end of the freeway at M-153 northeast of Ann Arbor and the I-96/I-275 interchange near Plymouth. The former route of M-14 along Plymouth Rd in Washtenaw Co is turned back to local control, while the portion between the Washtenaw/Wayne Co line and I-275 in Wayne Co is retained as an unsigned state trunkline.

Western Terminus:

South jct of US-131 & M-20 west of Stanwood

Eastern Terminus:

Cnr 8 Mile Rd & 200th Ave west of Stanwood

Length:

0.283 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-20

Notes:

OLD M-20 is the nearly 3/10th mile segment of 8 Mile Rd immediately east of the US-131 interchange at Exit 131 near Stanwood.

Interestingly, OLD M-20 was never actually part of a signed portion of M-20, although it was once part of the temporary routing for US-131 from 1983 to 1984. Once the US-131 freeway was opened to traffic from 8 Mile Rd northerly to 19 Mile Rd northwest of Big Rapids, 8 Mile itself from US-131 to Northland Dr was turned back to local control. When the present-day route of M-20 between White Cloud and US-131 near Stanwood was transferred to state control in 1998, the Mecosta Co Road Commission transferred all of 8 Mile Rd from the west county line to 200th Ave just east of US-131, while M-20 runs only up to US-131 where it turns northerly toward Big Rapids. It is unclear why this short 0.283-mile long portion of 8 Mile Rd was transferred as well.

History:

1998 (Oct 1) - As noted above, this portion of 8 Mile Rd is transferred from county to state control as part of the M-20 Rationalization changes.

Western Terminus:

Grandville/Wyoming city limit along Chicago Dr southwest of Grand Rapids

Eastern Terminus:

Jct BS I-196 & Chicago Dr near I-196 Exit 72 in Wyoming

Length:

0.238 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-21 (Wyoming)

Notes:

OLD M-21 in Wyoming occupies part of the original routing for M-21 between Grand Rapids and Holland along Chicago Dr, however the route designation immediately preceeding this one was BUS M-21, as noted in the history section below. This unsigned state trunkline is a very short remnant of this former route not turned back to local control when BUS M-21 was "decommissioned."

History:

1974 - Approximately 34 miles of M-21 are lopped off the western end with the completion of I-196 between Holland and Grandville. The former route from US-31 at Holland to east of Zeeland becomes a part of a new BL I-196. The portion of Chicago Dr (Old M-21) from Zeeland to I-196 at Grandville becomes an un-numbered state trunkline. The former BUS M-21 between I-196 and the Grandville/Wyoming city limit is turned back to local control, while the remaining portion of BUS M-21 from that point to US-131 becomes a new BS I-196.

History2

Western Terminus:

Intersection of E Fulton St & Cascade Rd in eastern Grand Rapids

Eastern Terminus:

Jct M-37/M-44/East Beltline Ave & M-21/E Fulton St east of Grand Rapids

Length:

0.931 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-21 (East G.R.)

Notes:

This is a rather short "spur" unsigned state trunkline—the reason for its existence is not apparent. When the remainder of E Fulton St in Grand Rapids was turned back to local control, this 9/10 mile stretch was not included and remains on the state trunkline system to date.

History:

1972 - BUS M-21 in Grand Rapids is sliced in half, with the portion to the east of US-131 along Franklin St, Eastern Ave and Fulton St is removed and turned back to municipal control, except for the portion along E Fulton St from Cascade Rd easterly to M-37/M-44/East Beltline Ave.. The remaining portion of BUS M-21 between Grandville and US-131 becomes a "spur" business routing.

Western Terminus:

Cnr M-81/N State St & Frank St in downtown Caro

Eastern Terminus:

Cnr M-24/Mertz Rd-Ellington St & Frank St-Dayton Rd on the east village limits of Caro

Length:

0.484 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-24

Notes:

For fifty years, from 1942 until 1992, M-24 approached the village of Caro from the south via Mertz Rd, then turned westerly via E Frank St to a terminus in downtown Caro at M-81. Plans for a northerly extension of M-24 through the heart of Tuscola Co from Caro to Unionville began years earlier, but in the early 1990s the first change along these lines rerouted M-24 due northerly via Ellington St to a new terminus at M-81, leaving the former route along Frank St as an unsigned trunkline as OLD M-24.

History:

c.1992 - M-24 is rerouted off E Frank St and onto Ellington St in Caro in preparation for the completion of the M-24 extension. The former route of M-24 along Frank St from M-24 into downtown Caro at M-81 remains as an unsigned state trunkline.

1997 - The M-24 extension north of Caro opens to traffic. From M-81 in Caro, the extension runs northerly for 1.5 miles via Cleaver Rd, then westerly for 4 miles on newly-built highway, then northerly again along Unionville Rd to M-138 east of Akron. From there, M-24 replaces the M-138 designation northerly into Unionville.

Southern Terminus:

Jct I-69 & BL I-69 (at I-69 Exit 61) on the northeast side of Charlotte

Northern Terminus:

I-496/R E Olds Frwy at Exit 4 in Lansing

Length:

15.86 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-27 (Eaton)

Notes:

Thus unsigned/old state trunkline is the former route of US-27 and TEMP I-69 between Charlotte and I-96 southwest of Lansing as well as what was designated BUS US-27 for a time from I-96 into Lansing. Some of the original highway was obliterated when the existing I-69 freeway was built in the very early-1990s, however the route has not been turned back to local control and remains an unsigned trunkline.

History:

1992 (Oct 22) - The final segments of the new I-69/US-27 freeway open between Charlotte and I-96 southwest of Lansing. The former route of TEMP I-69/US-27 (Lansing Rd) becomes an unsigned state trunkline, as does the decertified BUS US-27 (Lansing Rd) from I-96 into Lansing. BUS US-27 now runs from the junction of I-69/US-27 near DeWitt southerly to end at Michigan Ave in Lansing. BUS US-27 along Lansing Rd between I-69/US-27 Exit 72 and I-496 Exit 4 becomes an un-signed trunkline, while "officially" retaining the BUS US-27 designation for a time for internal MDOT purposes.

Southern Terminus:

Jct BL I-96 at the intersection of Cedar-Larch Sts, E North St & N East St on the north side of Lansing

Northern Terminus:

Jct BUS US-127 at cnr Old 27 & Price Rd south of St Johns

Length:

12.43 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-27 (Clinton)

Notes:

While this unsigned/old trunkline route was once part of US-27 in its entirety, modern day OLD US-27 is actually made up of two former routes. From Lansing northerly to I-69 at DeWitt, OLD US-27 was previously designated as unsigned BUS US-127 for a short time and, prior to that, as signed BUS US-27 for many years. Prior to 1984, this portion of the route was part of mainline US-27. From I-69 at DeWitt northerly to Price Rd south of St Johns, OLD US-27 is just that: the former route of US-27 before the US-27 (now US-127) freeway was completed to the east in 1998.

At present, it's unclear when MDOT began referring to the portion of N East St from the north side of Lansing northerly to I-69 at DeWitt as part of unsigned OLD US-27. After the decommissioning of US-27 and redesignation as US-127 in May 2002, several MDOT documents and construction reports referred to the former BUS US-27 at Lansing as BUS US-127, however when the department removed all of the BUS US-27 route marker assemblies along that potion of the route, they were not replaced with BUS US-127 assemblies, thus signifying that the newly-designated BUS US-127 route was to be an unsigned trunkline. However, at some point since 2004, MDOT has begun referring to the entire route from BL I-96 at Lansing and BUS US-127 south of St Johns as OLD US-27. It appears unsigned BUS US-127 at Lansing is no longer.

History:

1998 (Aug 31) - At 9:17am on Monday, August 31, 1998, the northbound lanes of the final link in the long-awaited US-27 "St Johns Bypass," were opened to through traffic. The southbound lanes open within a couple hours of the northbound side. With the opening of the new freeway, the 7.73 miles of former US-27 from I-69 (at Exit 87 near DeWitt) to Price Rd (5 miles south of downtown St Johns) is now an un-numbered state trunkline, erroneously labled as BUS US-27 on some commercial maps.

2001 - As part of US-27's decommissioning in Michigan, most of the US-27 route markers are removed from the 89-mile portion of the route concurrent with I-69, between the Indiana state line and jct US-127 at DeWitt north of Lansing. Most of the signs were removed in June and July, with most of the stragglers being removed later in the year. A few markers remained, though, into 2002. It is assumed that the existing BUS US-27 route markers along N East St from Lansing to DeWitt are also removed at this time, making it an unsigned trunkline.

2002 (May) - The Big Changeover from US-27 north of Lansing to US-127 occurs. Starting in May in the Bay and North Regions (Gratiot, Isabella, Clare and Roscommon Counties), new US-127 markers go up along the freeway and the various Business Connections. This signals the end of US-27 in Michigan. Former BUS US-27 at Lansing becomes BUS US-127, although unsigned.

c.2004-05 - At some point during this timeframe, MDOT begins referring to unsigned BUS US-127 as part of OLD US-27

Southern Terminus:

Jct US-127 & BUS US-127 north of St Johns (at the northbound ramps)

Northern Terminus:

Dead end of US-127 frontage road approximately 6/10th mile north of jct US-127 & BUS US-127 north of St Johns

Length:

0.583 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-27 (St Johns)

Notes:

This unsigned/old trunkline is essentially made up of the portion of the former route of US-27 from the northern BUS US-127 interchange at St Johns running northerly for approximately 6/10th mile to a cul-de-sac near where the US-127 freeway merges back into the uncontrolled-access, divided highway portion of US-127. Several homes are served by this frontage road.

While currently a dead-end road, this short spur is scheduled to be re-connected to what is now the northbound side of US-127 (formerly US-27) from Livingston Rd northerly once the proposed US-127 freeway project from St Johns to Ithaca is completed in the next decade or so. At present, the current northbound lanes of US-127 north of this point will become a frontage road for the new freeway to be constructed immediately to the west of the existing highway. Thus, this dead-end road will again be connected to the north.

History:

1996 (Dec 15) - The full "St Johns Bypass" opens around St Johns and the US-27 designation is transferred onto it. The former route of US-27 through St Johns becomes BUS US-27, while the short portion from the northern BUS US-27 interchange northerly becomes an unsigned trunkline.

Southern Terminus:

Jct BUS US-31 at the cnr of "Old 31" & Walton Rd north of Niles

Northern Terminus:

Jct US-31 & M-139 (at US-31 Exit 13) northwest of Berrien Springs

Length:

8.21 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-31 (Berrien)

Notes:

This unsigned/old trunkline follows the former route of US-31/US-33 between Niles and Berrien Springs in Berrien Co, superceded by the US-31 freeway to the west in 1992.

There has been some discussion within MDOT regarding the re-signing of this trunkline route as a southerly extension of M-139 from Berrien Springs to Niles. If this change were to occur, it may well mark the end of Niles' BUS US-31.

History:

1992 - The US-31 freeway is extended northerly from Walton Rd (Exit 7) northwest of Niles to existing US-31 (present-day Exit 15) immediately northwest of Berrien Springs. The portion of what had been signed as US-31 (formerly US-31/US-33 until 1986) along Walton Rd between Old 31/BUS US-31 is now signed as an extension of BUS US-31, while the remainder of the former route from Walton Rd northerly through Berrien Springs becomes an unsigned state trunkline designated as "OLD US-31" while locally referred to as "Old 31."

Southern Terminus:

M-20/Hayes Rd at cnr Oceana Dr north of New Era (excludes portion in City of Shelby)

Northern Terminus:

North end of the Pentwater River bridge along Oceana Dr at Hart

Total Length:

8.19 miles

Length (No. Part):

5.93 miles (north of Shelby)

Length (So. Part):

2.26 miles (south of Shelby)

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-31 (Oceana)

Notes:

OLD US-31 in Oceana Co follows Oceana Dr, the former route of US-31 prior to the completion of the US-31 freeway to the west between 1975 and 1980. At first, none of the former route of US-31 along Oceana Dr was turned back to local control, however MDOT has been working with the Oceana Co Road Commission and the local municipalities since 2000 and several segments of the old route have now been transferred. The remaining segments run from M-20 north of New Era northerly to the southern city limit of Shelby and from the northern limit of Shelby northerly to the Pentwater River bridge at Hart, making OLD US-31 a two-segment, discontinuous route at present.

With the progress MDOT has made in turning back segments of OLD US-31 in northern Muskegon and Oceana Cos since 2000, it could be surmised that the remaining 8.2 miles of OLD US-31 in Oceana Co will be transferred to local control in the coming years, marking and end to this longstanding unsigned trunkline route.

History:

1975 - Two US-31 freeway developments in Oceana and northern Muskegon Counties:

• (Apr 16) - An 18.09-mile long northerly extension of the US-31 freeway from just north of the Fruitvale Rd interchange north of Montague northerly to Polk Rd west of Hart is officially determined as a state trunkline highway routing. The freeway is not yet complete at this time, however, and would be opened in two stages, the first of which would come later in the year. Also transferred to state control on this date is Polk Rd itself from the new US-31 freeway interchange easterly to State St and State northerly from Polk to Lincoln St, ostensibly for a new BUS US-31 route once the freeway is completed and is likely not signed in the field at this time.
• Later in 1975, the first stage of the US-31 freeway extension into Oceana Co opens from the northern end of the completed freeway three miles north of Montague to the new M-20 extension at Stoney Lake Rd near New Era, where US-31 temporarily turns easterly via the M-20 extension back to its former alignment. The former US-31 routing via Whitehall Rd in Muskegon Co (north of B-15/B-23/Fruitvale Rd) and OLD US-31/Oceana Dr in Oceana Co becomes an unsigned state trunkline as OLD US-31.

1976 - Two more US-31 freeway developments in Oceana Co:

• Another new portion of US-31 freeway is completed and opened to traffic from M-20 at New Era northerly to Polk Rd west of Hart. There, US-31 traffic is routed easterly via Polk Rd to the existing US-31. OLD US-31/Oceana Dr from M-20 northerly through Shelby to Polk Rd at Hart becomes an extension of the unsigned state trunkline.
• (Dec 14) - With constrution yet to begin in earnest, a 5.66-mile long extension of the US-31 freeway in Oceana Co from Polk Rd at Hart northerly to just north of the BUS US-31/Monroe Rd interchange southeast of Pentwater is officially determined as a state trunkline. This portion of the freeway would not open for nearly two years.

1978 - The US-31 freeway is extended northerly 5-1/2 miles from Polk Rd at Hart to the southern leg of BUS US-31 (at the Monroe Rd interchange) southeast of Pentwater and US-31 is temporarily directed easterly via Monroe Rd (formerly part of BUS US-31) back to its previous route at Oceana Dr. OLD US-31/Oceana Dr from Polk Rd at Hart northerly to Monroe Rd becomes yet another extension of the unsigned "OLD US-31" state trunkline, as does Polk Rd from the US-31 freeway easterly to Oceana Dr/OLD US-31.

1980 (Oct 16-21) - The US-31 freeway in Oceana Co is extended northerly from the southern leg of BUS US-31 (at the Monroe Rd interchange) southeast of Pentwater to the northern jct of BUS US-31 & US-31 on the Oceana/Mason Co line, where the new freeway merges back down into the existing two-lane alignment of Pere Marquette Rd just inside Mason Co. This designation is official on October 16 and the freeway likely opens to traffic at this time. OLD US-31/Oceana Dr between the junctions of BUS US-31 east of Pentwater becomes an extension of the existing unsigned state trunkline.

2000 (Nov 9) - All 1.08 miles of OLD US-31/First St (Oceana Dr) within the Village of New Era and the 1.83 miles of OLD US-31/State St in the City of Shelby are turned back to local control.

2001 (Oct 9) - The two miles of OLD US-31/Oceana Dr from the Muskegon/Oceana Co line northerly to the south village limit of Rothbury in southern Oceana Co are turned back to local control.

2002 (Mar 20) - Two segments of OLD US-31/Oceana Dr are transferred to local control on this date: 2-1/2 miles from the north village limit of Rothbury to the south village limit of New Era and 0.37 miles from the north village limit of New Era to M-20.

2003 (July 3) - The 1.96-mile long stretch of OLD US-31/Whitehall Rd in northern Muskegon Co from jct BUS US-31 & B-15 north of Montague northerly to the Muskegon/Oceana Co line is turned back to local control.

2005 (Aug 3) - An additional 8.4 miles of OLD US-31/Oceana Dr in Oceana Co is turned back to local control: beginning at the north end of the South Branch Pentwater River bridge north of Hart and continuing northerly to the north jct of BUS US-31 & US-31 on the Oceana/Mason Co line. Also transferred on this date is the 1.11-mile long segment of OLD BUS US-31 along Monroe Rd between US-31 and OLD US-31/Oceana Dr, also in northern Oceana Co.

Western Terminus:

Jct BUS US-31 at cnr Russell St-Polk Rd & S State St-Water Rd on the south side of Hart

Eastern Terminus:

Jct OLD US-31/Oceana Dr & Russell St-Polk Rd on the southeast side of Hart

Length:

0.380 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-31 (Hart)

Notes:

This segment of OLD US-31 runs along Polk Rd (Russell St) at Hart and was originally to be a temporary routing for US-31 as the existing US-31 freeway made its way northerly through Oceana Co in the late 1970s. Polk Rd was transferred from local to state control in the late-1970s when the US-31 freeway was completed to Polk Rd west of Hart. Traffic was shunted off the new freeway and easterly via Polk Rd to Oceana Dr, the existing route of US-31. However, when the US-31 freeway was completed from Polk Rd northerly toward Pentwater and the temporary US-31 routing along Polk (east of State St in Hart, as the portion to the west was earmarked to be part of a new BUS US-31 routing) was not transferred to local control and became an unsigned/old state trunkline, which it remains to this day.

History:

1976 - A new portion of US-31 freeway is completed and opened to traffic from M-20 at New Era northerly to Polk Rd west of Hart. There, US-31 traffic is routed easterly via Polk Rd to the existing US-31.

1977 (Mar 23) - The 0.37 mile portion of Polk Rd at Hart from State St easterly to Oceana Dr is "temporarily" transferred to state control on this date, primarily because Polk Rd is now operating as the temporary connector between the northern end of the new US-31 freeway west of Hart and the existing highway along Oceana Dr southeast of downtown. As of 2005, this "temporary" connector is still an unsigned state trunkline.

1978 - The US-31 freeway is extended northerly 5-1/2 miles from Polk Rd at Hart to the southern leg of BUS US-31 (at the Monroe Rd interchange) southeast of Pentwater and US-31 is temporarily directed easterly via Monroe Rd (formerly part of BUS US-31) back to its previous route at Oceana Dr. OLD US-31/Oceana Dr from Polk Rd at Hart northerly to Monroe Rd becomes yet another extension of the unsigned "OLD US-31" state trunkline, as does Polk Rd from the US-31 freeway easterly to Oceana Dr/OLD US-31.

1987 - A new "spur" business routing debuts as BUS US-31 via Polk Rd and State St into downtown Hart.

Southern Terminus:

Southernmost extent of the US-31/BL I-196 & Washington Ave/Blue Star Hwy interchange on the south side of Holland

Northern Terminus:

Cnr Washington Ave & Matt Urban Dr, 8/10th mile north of the US-31/BL I-196& Washington/Blue Star interchange on the south side of Holland

Length:

0.793 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD US-31BR (Holland)

Notes:

OLD US-31BR in Holland is the only remnant of the former BUS US-31/BL I-196 routing through downtown Holland which was turned back to local control in September 2004. While the rest of the business route through town was transferred to the city, MDOT kept this 8/10th mile segment of the former BUS US-31 reportedly to accommodate a future reconstruction of the US-31 interchange, once the proposed US-31 "bypass" through Ottawa Co is completed in c.2020.

History:

2004 (Sept 9) - The portion of BUS US-31/BL I-196 along Washington Ave from Matt Urban Dr northerly toward downtown Holland is turned back to local control on this date. While the BL I-196 routing is technically transferred to the US-31 bypass of Holland at this time, it will go unsigned for the next few years. The remaining segment of the former BUS US-31 route from Matt Urban Dr southerly through the US-31 interchange is retained as an unsigned trunkline route.

Western Terminus:

W Main St-16 Rd & Sturtevant Ave-41 1/2 Rd on the west Manton city limit.

Eastern Terminus:

Main St & BUS US-131/Michigan Ave in downtown Manton.

Length:

0.497 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-42

Notes:

All of M-42 from Manton westerly to its former western terminus at M-37 was transferred to county control in June 2007. After more than 85 years as a state trunkline highway, the 14.39 miles of 16 Rd from the west city limit of Manton westerly to M-37 was be turned back to the Wexford Co Road Commission. The 0.497-mile portion of W Main St from BUS US-131/Michigan Ave to the west city limit was not transferred, however, and became an unsigned state trunkline highway as OLD M-42.

History:

2007 (June 6) - As noted in the "Notes" section above, the 14.39 miles of M-42 from M-37 at Mesick easterly to the western Manton city limit are transferred to county control. The 0.497 miles of M-42 along W Main St from the west Manton city limit easterly to BUS US-131/Michigan Ave becomes unsigned as OLD M-42, while the 0.494 miles of what had been concurrently designated M-42 and BUS US-131 along Michigan Ave retaining just the latter designation. The western terminus for M-42 is now at the Michigan Ave (BUS US-131 northerly) & 7th St (BUS US-131/M-42 easterly) intersection on the south side of Manton.

Western Terminus:

At cul-de-sac at the Grand River (at site of former M-45 Grand River bridge) in Tallmadge Twp between Allendale and Walker

Eastern Terminus:

M-45/Lake Michigan Dr near the intersection of 26th Ave in Tallmadge Twp between Allendale and Walker

Length:

1.31 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-45 (Ottawa)

Notes:

As noted in the history section below, OLD M-45 in Ottawa Co, also known as Riverhill Dr, is the bypassed segment of the former route of M-45 which was relocated to the south in 2001-02.

History:

2001-02 - MDOT completes a major upgrade to M-45 from Walker westerly past the Grand Valley State University campus to downtown Allendale, mostly upgrading the route to four-lane divided highway, some on new alignment, including a brand new pair of Grand River bridges. The eastbound lanes open in late 2001 with two-way traffic sharing the roadway, while the westbound lanes are completed in early 2002. The existing Grand River bridge east of the GVSU campus is removed, while the portion of former M-45 west of the river becomes an access road for 40th Ave. The former M-45 east of the river is initally named "Old M-45" but later the name is changed to Riverhill Dr. The former route of M-45 remains an unsigned state trunkline as OLD M-45.

Western Terminus:

Jct I-196/G R Ford Frwy & M-45/Lake Michigan Dr west of downtown Grand Rapids

Eastern Terminus:

East abutment of the Fulton St bridge over the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids (just west of Monroe Ave)

Length:

1.52 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-45 (Kent)

Notes:

In the mid-1990s, MDOT removed all M-45 route markers from W Fulton St in downtown Grand Rapids, actually transferring the four blocks immediately west of BUS US-131/Division Ave to the Grand River bridge. The remainder of the route from the bridge westerly to I-196 remains as an unsigned trunkline as OLD M-45. It is assumed MDOT is looking to someday transfer the rest of OLD M-45 to the City of Grand Rapids.

History:

1994 - The route of M-45 is scaled back from downtown Grand Rapids to now terminate at I-196/Gerald R Ford Frwy west of downtown. Although a short portion of the former route from Division Ave to the east abutment of the Grand River bridge is transferred to City of Grand Rapids control, the remainder of the route along W Fulton St remains an unsigned state trunkline. While the M-45 route markers are covered over on the exit signs along US-131 and all M-45 markers are removed from Fulton St, Lane Ave remains signed as the westbound I-196 access to M-45 EAST until 2002 and M-45 EAST is still indicated at the eastbound I-196 off-ramp at Lake Michigan Dr today.

Western Terminus:

M-55/M-115 at cnr Sunnyside Dr & Cadillac Hwy on the west side of Cadillac

Eastern Terminus:

BUS US-131/Mitchell St at cnr Granite-Paulster Sts & S Mitchell St on the south side of downtown Cadillac

Length:

2.77 miles

Map:

Route Map of M-55 (Wexford—West Segment)

Notes:

This segment of unsigned/old trunkline is the former route of M-55 from downtown Cadillac westerly along the south shore of Lake Cadillac to M-115 on the west side of town. When the first phase of the US-131 "Cadillac Bypass" was completed and opened to traffic from BUS US-131 south of the city northerly to M-55 east of town in 2000, MDOT rerouted M-55 out of downtown Cadillac via M-115 southeasterly to the US-131 freeway then northerly along the freeway to the new Exit 180 interchange east of downtown. The standalone portions of M-55 through Cadillac then became unsigned trunklines with this portion being that part west of BUS US-131/Mitchell St.

MDOT had reportedly attempted to turn back this segment of OLD M-55 in c.2002 or 2003 but was refused by the City of Cadillac.

History:

2000 (Nov 1) - The first 2.9 miles of the "Cadillac Bypass" opens to traffic and while that freeway would eventually bear the US-131 designation, for the next year, it will only be signed as a rerouted M-55. From the north end of the opened freeway about 1.5 miles east of downtown Cadillac, M-55 now turns southwesterly via the new freeway (joining with US-131 at Exit 177) to M-115 at Exit 176, then runs concurrently with M-115 northwesterly back to the former route of M-55 in the "Lakes Area" on the west side of Cadillac. The former portions of M-55 along E Division St, E Cass St, Granite St and Sunnyside Dr becomes an unsigned state trunkline designated OLD M-55. The formerly concurrent US-131/M-55 via Mitchell St in downtown Cadillac between Granite St and E Cass St remains only US-131.

2001 (Oct 30) - The remainder of the US-131 "Cadillac Bypass" is opened to traffic on this day from the M-55 EAST interchange (Exit 180) northerly to existing US-131 north of Cadillac. US-131 now officially joins M-55 on the portion of the freeway opened November 1, 2000 between Exits 177 and 180.

Western Terminus:

East city limit of Cadillac along E Division St east of the Crosby Rd intersection

Eastern Terminus:

Jct US-131 & M-55 (at US-131 Exit 180) east of Cadillac

Length:

0.044 miles

Map:

Route Map of M-55 (Wexford—East Segment)

Notes:

This segment of unsigned/old trunkline is the former route of M-55 left over from when that highway continued westerly into downtown Cadillac via Division and Cass Sts prior to the completion of the US-131 "Cadillac Bypass." While the portion of the former route of M-55 from BUS US-131/Mitchell St eaterly to the east city limit wast transferred to the city in late-2003, this 0.044-mile long segment remains an unsigned trunkline.

History:

2000 (Nov 1) - The first 2.9 miles of the "Cadillac Bypass" opens to traffic and while that freeway would eventually bear the US-131 designation, for the next year, it will only be signed as a rerouted M-55. From the north end of the opened freeway about 1.5 miles east of downtown Cadillac, M-55 now turns southwesterly via the new freeway (joining with US-131 at Exit 177) to M-115 at Exit 176, then runs concurrently with M-115 northwesterly back to the former route of M-55 in the "Lakes Area" on the west side of Cadillac. The former portions of M-55 along E Division St, E Cass St, Granite St and Sunnyside Dr becomes an unsigned state trunkline designated OLD M-55. The formerly concurrent US-131/M-55 via Mitchell St in downtown Cadillac between Granite St and E Cass St remains only US-131.

2003 (Dec 4) - The portion of OLD M-55 along E Cass St from BUS US-131/Mitchell St easterly to E Division St and along E Division from Cass to the east city limit of Cadillac just west of the US-131 interchange at Exit 180 is transferred to city control. This just leaves the 0.044-mile long segment of OLD M-55 from the east Cadillac city limit easterly to the US-131 interchange as an unsigned state trunkline.

Western Terminus:

M-55 in central Roscommon Co, just southwest of jct I-75 & M-55 (Exit 227)

Eastern Terminus:

Jct I-75 & M-55 (Exit 212) west of West Branch

Length:

11.99 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-55 (Roscommon-Ogemaw)

Notes:

This segment of unsigned/old trunkline is the former route of M-55 between Prudenville and West Branch superceded by I-75 in the early-1970s. The route of M-55 was transferred onto the new freeway, however the former route was retained as an unsigned trunkline as OLD M-55.

History:

1973 - The final segment of the I-75 freeway in Michigan is completed and opened to traffic between West Branch and Roscommon. Between the Maple Valley and West Branch areas, the M-55 routing is transferred onto the newly opened I-75 while the old route becomes an unsigned state trunkline as OLD M-55.

Western Terminus:

Cnr Auburn Rd & Adams Rd on the Aurburn Hills/Rochester Hills city limit

Eastern Terminus:

Cnr Auburn Rd & Dequindre Rd on the Rochester Hills (Oakland Co)/Shelby Twp (Macomb Co) line

Length:

6.02 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-59

Notes:

This segment of unsigned/old trunkline is the last portion of the former route of M-59 between Pontiac and Utica yet to be transferred to local control. The M-59 freeway between Opdyke Rd on the eastern edge of Pontiac and Mound Rd west of Utica was completed in the late-1960s and early-1970s, however the former route of M-59 along Auburn Rd remained an unsigned/old trunkline routing for many years. The portion within the City of Auburn Hills has been transferred to the city, however the six miles of Auburn across the City of Rochester Hills has yet to be and it is unclear when such a transfer may take place.

History:

1967 (Oct 8) - The first segment of the M-59 freeway opens from Opdyke Rd on the eastern limits of Pontiac easterly to Auburn Rd just west of Rochester Rd. The portion of old M-59 along Auburn Rd from Opdyke Rd to the eastern end of the freeway is retained as an unsigned state trunkline, designated "OLD M-59." Opdyke Rd between Auburn Rd and the new freeway temporarily becomes M-59.

1972 (Dec 6) - The remainder of the M-59 freeway is completed from Auburn Rd in Avon Twp (now Rochester Hills) to Mound Rd west of Utica. The former routing of M-59 along Auburn Rd becomes an extension of the unsigned OLD M-59 trunkline route.

2000 (Sept 11) - The portion of OLD M-59 along Auburn Rd within the City of Auburn Hills from Opdyke Rd on the west to Adams Rd on the east is turned back to local control. This segment of Auburn Rd had been bypassed by the M-59 freeway in 1966.

Fmr West  Terminus:

Loud Dam Rd (at site of former intersection of M-65 & Loud Dam Rd) approximately 1/2 mile west of the AuSable River bridge.

Fmr East  Terminus:

End of roadway at the (1930) AuSable River bridge.

Former Length:

0.468 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD M-65

Notes:

This short segment of roadway, less than one-half mile in length, was the remnant of the former route of M-65 south and west of the 1930 steel truss bridge which, until late 2004, carried M-65 over the AuSable River at this location adjacent to the Five Channels Dam. A brand new span was built just downstream from the older one, necessitating new approach roadways and a general realignment of M-65 in the area of the crossing. While the 1930 bridge remains as a pedestrian crossing, a portion of the former M-65 route from just west of the bridge westerly to the former intersection of M-65 & Loud Dam Rd remained on the trunkline system as an unsigned state highway until early 2006. From the former Loud Dam Rd intersection southwesterly to the intersection of M-65 and River Rd, the old highway was obliterated. A new connector roadway between M-65 relocated and OLD M-65 was built and was also part of the unsigned trunkline route.

History:

2004 (Oct 8-13) - In conjunction with the construction of a new 760-foot long AuSable River bridge in Iosco Co, two miles of realigned M-65 are opened to traffic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the 13th. The historic truss bridge (see Weblinks below) remains as for pedestrian and recreational use. The portion of the former route not obliterated or abandoned as a public roadway remains an unsigned state trunkline as OLD M-65. MDOT Press Release.

2006 (Mar 9) - All 0.468 miles of OLD M-65 near the Loud Dam in northern Iosco Co are transferred to local control, bringing to an end the 17-month history of this unsigned/old state trunkline highway.

Weblinks:

• M-65/AuSable River Bridge - from MDOT: "This rivetted Parker truss bridge has two main spans of 120 feet each, and an overall length of 320 feet, making it one of the longest of this type in the state."

Western Terminus:

BL I-69 in southeastern Clinton Co, north of Haslett

Eastern Terminus:

M-52 (at cnr N Main St & Lansing Rd) on the north side of Perry

Length:

10.90 miles

Map:

Route Map of OLD I-69

Notes:

This particular unsigned/old trunkline routing runs parallel to the I-69 freeway from BL I-69 northeast of East Lansing northeasterly past Shaftsburg and Perry, ending unceremoniously where Lansing Hwy transitions from a state trunkline into a county road near Morrice. This transition marks the location where the M-78 freeway from Flint and Durand terminated and merged into the Lansing Rd alignment. When the I-69 freeway was constructed from 1989 through 1991, the westbound side of the formerly divided highway was removed and the freeway was built immediately north of old westbound lanes. Except through the Woodbury Rd interchange, all of OLD I-69 runs along the former eastbound lanes of TEMPORARY I-69 and, before that, M-78.

While a the actual roadname of a portion of this unsigned/old state trunkline is, indeed "Old M-78," the internal MDOT designation for the route is OLD I-69, although I-69 itself never traversed the route. Instead the designation from 1973 through 1991 was TEMPORARY I-69.

On February 21, 2007, the 1.09 miles of OLD I-69 from M-52 at Perry northeasterly to the former terminus of this unsigned trunkline at the pre-1992 beginning of the I-69 (formerly M-78) freeway near Morris were transferred from state to Shiawasse County control. The unsigned/old state trunkline OLD I-69 now runs from BL I-69 north of Haslett to M-52 at Perry.

History:

1987 - With the opening of a new segment of I-69 freeway between US-127 and Peacock Rd in southeastern Clinton County in late 1987, the I-69 designation is re-routed around the west and north sides of Lansing, before heading easterly along the six miles of new freeway. Between State and Peacock Rds, traffic from the newly completed freeway segment is shifted back onto the original TEMP I-69 (formerly M-78) lanes. The TEMP I-69 designation via I-96, I-496 and US-127 around the south and east sides of Lansing is removed. At the same time, the remainder of the TEMP I-69 routing from US-127 on the Lansing/East Lansing city limits northeasterly to the new Exit 94 is redesignated as part of a new BL I-69. The former route of TEMP I-69 along Old M-78 from the new BL I-69 northeasterly to the end of this new freeway segment becomes an unsigned state trunkline designated OLD I-69.

1991 - The last 11 miles of freeway under construction northeast of Lansing are opened to traffic. The westbound lanes of the new I-69 freeway from Peacock Rd in southeastern Clinton Co to Morrice near Perry were actually opened in stages beginning in 1989 and 1990, with the entire freeway completed in 1991. The makeup of Lansing Hwy, the former routing of TEMP I-69 (and M-78 before that) is changed with the completion of the freeway. The westbound lanes of the divided highway were removed to make room for the eastbound lanes and right-of-way of the new freeway, so two-way traffic is now maintained on the former eastbound side of TEMP I-69. The portion of Old M-78 and Lansing Hwy formerly designated as TEMP I-69 is now an unsigned trunkline designated "OLD I-69."

2007 (Feb 21) - The 1.09 miles of OLD I-69 from M-52 at Perry northeasterly to the former terminus of this unsigned trunkline at the pre-1992 beginning of the I-69 (formerly M-78) freeway near Morrice are transferred from state to Shiawasse County control.

Southern Terminus:

Cnr Kloha Rd & the former route of M-84/West Side Saginaw Rd in Bay Co's Frankenlust Twp, between Bay City and Saginaw.

Northern Terminus:

Cnr Amelith Rd & the former route of M-84/West Side Saginaw Rd in Bay Co's Frankenlust Twp, between Bay City and Saginaw.

Length:

0.28 miles

Map:

Route